GAB warns against recall petition fraud

Reports of people planning circulate petitions to recall Governor Scott Walker that would either be destroyed or just not turned in is prompting a warning from officials with the state Government Accountability Board. The agency says either of those actions would likely be a crime, and the perpetrators could face felony charges if caught.

The question is being raised after unconfirmed reports circulated online about individuals opposed to the recall of Governor Walker and Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch planning to try and make people think they had already signed an official petition. GAB director Kevin Kennedy says such statements of outrage should be directed at the ballot box and not at those exercising their constitutional rights.

If the agency receives complaints, Kennedy says they will be taken seriously. While the GAB does not investigate directly, Kennedy says reports will be sent on to local law enforcement. A decision on whether to file charges would be up to local district attorneys.

The agency says it hopes local law enforcement will be able to devote resources to investigate allegations of petition fraud.